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Today is Ashura â€“ the 10th day of Month of Muharram

07 January 2009 10:15 (UTC +04:00)

1367 years ago on the 10th day of the Month of Muharram, Imam Husayn, grandson of Prophet Muhammad and son of Imam Ali and his 71 supporters were killed in Karbala, Iraq by 30,000-man army of Yazid ibn Muaviye. Imam Husaynâ€™s family was captured by Yezidâ€™s army and exiled to Sham.

There exist different views on Karbala tragedy. Some even regard it as a struggle for government. And what is the truth? According to historical sources, Yazid ibn Muaviye, who came to power after the death of Caliph Muaviye ibn Ebu Sufyan, was an irreligious man and drunkard, who gambled all day long. Imam Husayn was seriously concerned about his actions. He told Yazid that he will rebel to protect the religion of his grandfather, Prophet, if he does not give up his actions. Yazid offered Imam Husayn his caliphate in exchange for money and gold, otherwise he threatened to kill Imam. Imam Husayn rejected the proposal and said: â€œIf the religion of my grandfather Muhammad will live with my death, let the swords kill me.â€

After that Imam Husayn and his 71 supporters fought against Yazidâ€™s troops in Karbala and were killed. Therefore, Muslims mark Month of Muharram as a month of mourning.

According to historical sources, Imam Husayn wrote testament before leaving Madina for Karbala with his people.
â€œI do not leave Madina to protect myself. I aim to defend my grandfather Muhammadâ€™s religion and his people from non-believersâ€™ slanders. People, who want to protect justice, let them join me for the sake of God!â€ he said.

Islamic prophet Muhammad first commemorated his grandson. Archangel Gabriel predicted Muhammad that his grandson will be martyred by his follower. Therefore when Muhammad saw his small grandson, he cried and said:
â€œExcept people who commemorate and cry for Imam Husayn, all people will cry in doomsday. People, who cry for him, will be happy in doomsday!â€.

Day of Ashura is commemorated by some Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali. Laughing, eating meat, dressing new clothes, starting new job are unacceptable between first and tenth days of Muharram.

Several Islamic countries, as well as Azerbaijan commemorate martyred Muslims. Thousands of people go to mosques to commemorate the Day of Ashura and give funeral repast.